Geelong veteran Mitch Duncan expects to play most of the AFL component of Thursday’s practice match against Carlton.
Speaking at the launch of a new mental health program for local schools at Western Heights College this (Tuesday) morning, the 33-year-old is keen to take on a new opponent after the longest pre-season of his career.
“I’m sick of playing against Gryan Miers and Brad Close – I’m playing half-back, they’re playing half-forward,” Duncan said
“It will be good to play against an opposition outfit.”
Duncan, who spent time training in the USA during the off-season, did joke that he wasn’t enamoured by the predicted weather forecast of 35 degrees.
“I might just play one or two quarters and give it to the young guys.”
The Cats’ reigning AFLW best-and-fairest Georgie Prespakis joined Duncan at the launch.
Enjoying a well-deserved break, Prespakis has welcomed news of a starting date for pre-season training and the 2024 season.
“It’s really important to have that bit of certainty in your life and a bit of an understanding of what your next couple of months looks like and being able to plan around that,” she said.
Delivered by The Resilience Project with the backing of the Cats and GMHBA, 2000 students from Western Heights and Newcomb, Whittington, Lara and Geelong East primary schools will take part in a two-year program covering the principles of GEM (gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness) and emotional literacy.
“We’re thrilled to see the next iteration of our Cats Community schools-based program take shape with the Resilience Project, with continued support from GMHBA in the school health program space,” CEO Steve Hocking said.
“Geelong Cats players across both our men’s and women’s programs will be involved in delivering the program, helping to share important messages about mental health and wellbeing, providing positive and nurturing environments for the young people in our region to thrive.”
Meanwhile, tickets for Geelong’s opening-round clash against St Kilda are now on sale via Ticketmaster.
With the Joel Selwood Stand’s opening, the Cats hope to fill the 40,000-capacity GMHBA Stadium.
X: @krockfootball
